Multiple Myeloma Research Projects

Preventing progression through immunotherapy

Intervening early in the disease process may improve survival outcomes, but should only be considered for patients that are at high-risk for progression to symptomatic multiple myeloma. Twenty one percent of patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a pre-malignant disease state, will progress to symptomatic disease. The percentage is higher in patients with smoldering multiple myeloma, an early-malignant disease state, with 78% of these patients progressing. In light of this, models that reliably predict a patient’s risk of disease progression are needed to prevent over-treating otherwise asymptomatic patients. Unfortunately, current prediction models of disease progression are not sufficiently precise. To more accurately predict patients at high-risk for progression, the High-Risk Multiple Myeloma Moon Shot is collaborating with the Cancer Genomics Laboratory (CGL) platform of the Moon Shots Program™ to perform comprehensive genomic and immunologic profiling of patients with MGUS or smoldering multiple myeloma. This information will lead to prediction models that can accurately assess the likelihood that a patient will progress symptomatic disease. It will also help identify targets for drug development and optimal drug combinations to treat high-risk MGUS and smoldering multiple myeloma.

Through two investigator-initiated clinical trials, our Moon Shot™ experts are also evaluating whether immunotherapies can delay, or prevent, progression of high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma. Our Phase II trial examining the ability of isatuximab to delay progression to symptomatic disease has recently opened for accrual. Additionally, through a collaboration with Merck, we’re also examining whether the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab controls smoldering multiple myeloma and prevents disease progression.